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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Line 71: parents through Line 101: No free man needs a God.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When did John Shade meet his wife?
(a) During the depression.
(b) Their senior year of high school.
(c) After his parents' funeral.
(d) 40 years ago.

2. What is the first metaphor Shade uses to describe himself?
(a) A bird flying into a window.
(b) A snowflake falling to the ground.
(c) A pheasant's feet.
(d) A great bear.

3. Charles Kinbote criticizes an article written by Professor Hurley for what reason?
(a) It does not mention Zembla.
(b) The article does not mention "Pale Fire."
(c) The article doesn't mention Kinbote and Shade's friendship.
(d) The article is critical of John Shade.

4. Charles Kinbote gave John Shade a detailed drawing of King Charles' castle; what does he want John Shade's wife to do with the picture?
(a) Frame it.
(b) Destroy it.
(c) Send it to the publisher.
(d) Send it to him.

5. Which of the following best describes John Shade's idea of life on earth?
(a) Meaningless and random.
(b) Colorful and bright.
(c) Sad and cold.
(d) Dark and painful.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of the following, which most accurately describes the lines in the first stanza of Canto One?

2. What does Shade find out when he tracks down the woman who had the same vision of the after-life that he did?

3. Which pair best describe the prominent motifs of the first Canto?

4. Which of the following best describes a recurring theme in the first Canto?

5. What event causes John Shade to have a vision of the afterlife?

(see the answer key)

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